Effects of a new alpha 1-blocker, bunazosin hydrochloride, on plasma lipid components in hypertensive patients with hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Oral bunazosin hydrochloride, a new alpha 1-blocker, for 12 weeks was given to ten outpatients diagnosed as having essential hypertension associated with hypercholesterolemia. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) triglyceride, HDL3 cholesterol, and apolipoprotein E levels were significantly decreased by bunazosin treatment. The decrease in HDL triglycerides was a result of the decrease in HDL3 triglyceride levels. There were no significant changes in the other components. The ratio of cholesterol to triglycerides in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL fractions was increased significantly after bunazosin treatment. Furthermore, the ratio of HDL2 cholesterol to HDL3 cholesterol after bunazosin treatment was significantly higher than before treatment. The results suggest that the catabolism of triglycerides in lipoprotein and the reduction in tissue cholesterol increase, and that bunazosin hydrochloride does not adversely affect the lipid component in hypertensive patients with hypercholesterolemia.